<p>Still, imagine the horrible publicity if Northwestern attempted to enforce such a policy, compelling the student to attend, resulting in expulsion when the bill couldn’t be paid. It just doesn’t happen. And if Harvard really, really wanted a top student at RD time, why would they care if Northwestern was unable or unwilling to offer enough aid at ED time to support attendance? Harvard has lots more money to offer. I’m not talking about families that frivolously say they want more aid (even though schools can’t tell the difference); consider the families that really can’t afford it, due to expenses a given college doesn’t consider (like mortgage and younger siblings in private schools).</p>